as in classic
constituting, serving as, or worthy of being a pattern to be imitated
Helen of Troy was supposedly the quintessential beauty of the ancient world
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Recent Examples of quintessential
For nine years, guests filed into the quintessential diner, ordering the egg sandwich specials scrawled on a chalkboard and griddled pancakes browned by the flat top, which followed a recipe from Mitchell's grandfather.
—
Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property.
—Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
This would be Maia (Sennott), a 27-year-old who lives on the east side with her cute schoolteacher boyfriend, Dylan (Josh Hutcherson), and works as an assistant to Alyssa (Leighton Meester as the quintessential millennial girlboss), a talent manager.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
At the always-hoppin' Hold Out Brewing, experience a quintessential Austin hangout.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Lyndsay C. Green, Freep.com, 31 Oct. 2025
The surrounding peaks set a majestic tone, and the quintessential village of Metsovo (with its aforementioned ski slopes) is just a short drive from the property.
—Chadner Navarro, Vogue, 30 Oct. 2025
This would be Maia (Sennott), a 27-year-old who lives on the east side with her cute schoolteacher boyfriend, Dylan (Josh Hutcherson), and works as an assistant to Alyssa (Leighton Meester as the quintessential millennial girlboss), a talent manager.
—Angie Han, HollywoodReporter, 30 Oct. 2025
At the always-hoppin' Hold Out Brewing, experience a quintessential Austin hangout.
—Kathryn Streeter, USA Today, 30 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quintessential
Recent Examples of Synonyms for quintessential
Adjective
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The aesthetic is defined by deep red and forest green tartans, warm lighting, elevated accents, and sophisticated dinnerware that evokes classic holiday charm with a polished Americana flair.—
Alicia Geigel,
Southern Living,
4 Nov. 2025
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Contemporary managers, executives and umpires will be considered in December 2026, while classic era candidates will be viewed in December 2027.—
Scott Thompson,
FOXNews.com,
3 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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Both were exemplary but had to be substituted due to injury.—
The Athletic UK Staff,
New York Times,
25 Oct. 2025
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Now, he’s being remembered as an exemplary leader.—
Sam Gillette,
PEOPLE,
21 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Art directors Jason Kirschner and Kait Taylor took advantage of that and then some, designing a period-perfect art deco set completely grayscaled.—
Dave Quinn,
PEOPLE,
31 Oct. 2025
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Cozy up in the Treasure & Bond Alpaca & Wool Rib Sweater, 60 percent off, and a soft, stylish layer that’s perfect for fall.—
Rosie Marder,
Travel + Leisure,
31 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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The archetypal trickster reemerged in popular culture in the 1970s, driven by the disillusionment and violence of the Vietnam War era.—
Time,
Time,
30 Oct. 2025
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That’s about half of what archetypal metal-bender General Motors garnered in the same span.—
Shawn Tully,
Fortune,
23 Oct. 2025
Adjective
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Nothing definitive from Roseman.—
Brooks Kubena,
New York Times,
5 Nov. 2025
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But the answer that emerges from a review of Cheney’s actions and statements appears to be a definitive no.—
Josh Meyer,
USA Today,
4 Nov. 2025
Adjective
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This is where the Greenpoint comes from, an excellent neo-classic riff on a Manhattan that was invented at Milk & Honey in New York, and comprises the classic build of Manhattan—rye, sweet vermouth, and bitters—into which has been spliced the inimitable French herbal liqueur, Yellow Chartreuse.—
Jeremy Repanich,
Robb Report,
25 Oct. 2025
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The Jayhawks did an excellent job of getting back in transition, limiting Louisville’s fast-break opportunities.—
Shreyas Laddha,
Kansas City Star,
25 Oct. 2025
Cite this Entry
“Quintessential.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/quintessential. Accessed 7 Nov. 2025.
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